At Missouri Conservation Corps, we focus on removing invasive species, plantings trees, and restoring native habitat. But…we also appreciate a little diversity in our volunteer workday schedule, so this spring, on March 9th, we are going to try our first creek cleanup in Columbia.
The cleanup event will focus on a heavily impacted stretch of Flat Branch Creek, between bridges #2 and #3 on the MKT Trail. Volunteers will help us remove trash and debris from the creek and from the shoreline. Because this type of event is new to us, we are receiving support and guidance from our friends at Missouri Stream Team (thank you Cara!) and from Volunteer Columbia (thank you Lindsey and Kylie!). Volunteers will meet and the cleanup event will start in Columbia’s Grasslands Park, 21 East Clarkson Road at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 9th.
Missouri Conservation Corps and Missouri Stream Teams will provide the gloves and trash bags, and volunteers are asked to wear sturdy boots and clothing appropriate to the weather. If you have waterproof boots or waders, those will help us get into the deeper portions of the creek to remove trash and debris.
The creek cleanup will run from 1-3 p.m., followed by a social event in the park from 3-4 p.m. with hot dogs, chips, and cold water…and hopefully some sunshine! Join us on Sunday, March 9th in Columbia’s Grasslands Park for our first volunteer event of the year, and a chance to clean up one of Columbia’s most cherished urban watersheds! To sign up for this event, contact MCC Project Director Stephen Bybee at [email protected]
